PunchCAD 16
PunchCAD 16 New and Improved Features
New Feature Itemized List
· Multi-Language Support for English, French, and German
· Performance Improvements
· Up to 12X Faster Redraws for Large Files
· Up to 22X Faster File Loads for Large Files
· Up to 5X Faster File Handling of PDF/DWG Imports
· Up to 25X Faster Printing of large files
· Improved Custom Tool Creation and Editing
· Arc Slot Polygon
· ISO Part Library
· Batch Export One Part Per File
· SketchUp Improvements
· Part Creator
· 20 Parametric Parts
· Gears (Spur, Full Spur, Beveled, Ring, Worm, Rack)
· Gears (Planetary, Herringbone Ring, Herringbone Rack)
· Screws (Hex)
· Nuts (Hex)
· Threads (ISO, ACME)
· AI Assisted CAD Scripting
· Sheet Metal Tools
· Base, Flange, Partial Flange
· Hem, Rolled Hem, Unbend
· Minor Corrections
12X Faster Redraws for Large Files
ViaCAD 16 significantly improves redraw speeds for large files, making refreshing the drawing window up to 12 times faster. In our test, a 2D file with 148,318 objects (including points, lines, circles, polygons, text, and groups) was repainted 12 times faster compared to the previous version. This optimization provides greater performance benefits as the number of entities in a file increases.
22X Faster File Loads for Large Files
ViaCAD 16 optimizes file handling, achieving up to 22× faster loading speeds for large files with thousands of entities. This enhancement streamlines workflow, reducing wait times and improving productivity.
Improved Custom Tool Creation and Editing
The Custom Tool interface has been enhanced to support larger m × n icon arrays, offering greater flexibility in organizing tool palettes. A new edit dialog has also been introduced, allowing users to modify existing tools with ease. The updated tool palettes now support configurations such as 3 × 20 or 10 × 10 layouts for better customization.
AI Part Creator 
The AI Part Creator, available in Copilot Professional, enables users to generate intelligent parametric parts with ease. This feature supports the creation of over 20 types of parts, including various gears (spur, bevel, planetary, herringbone), screws, nuts, and ISO/ACME threads. The AI Part Creator can be accessed via the 'Tools' menu under 'AI Part Creator'.
-Gears (Simple Spur, Full Spur, Beveled, Ring, Worm, Rack)
-Gears (Planetary, Herringbone Ring, Herringbone Rack)
-Screws (Hex)
-Nuts (Hex)
-Threads (ISO, ACME)
The AI Part creator is accessed from the Tools : AI Part Creator menu option.
Arc Slot Polygon Tool
The Arc Slot Polygon Tool enables users to create polygons using arcs as their defining edges, allowing for greater flexibility in design.
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ISO Part Library
Concept Explorer Symbols now supports a 3D ISO part library.
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Batch File : Export One Part Per File
The Batch tool now has an option to export each part in a file as a separate file.
SketchUp Import
The SketchUp importer has been updated to support the latest version, along with enhancements for handling glass objects. SketchUp models with transparent materials now automatically receive a glass shader, ensuring more realistic rendering results with minimal manual adjustments.
Sheet Metal Tools
New Sheet Metal Tools for Advanced Design Capabilities
Base, Contour flange, Flange, Partial flange, hem, rolled hem, unbend
Minor Corrections
Since the release of ViaCAD 15, hundreds of minor corrections have been made through ongoing updates and integrated into ViaCAD 16. These improvements include:
· Corrections related to handling feet/inches
· Extruding faces that are part of an existing solid
· Performance issue related to logging
· WorkPlane issues related to switching between Draw Views
· OpenGL Clipping issues when part is far away
· Correction related to printing outline polygons
· Valid name checks added to Layer Sets
· Improved localizations for French and German
http://masterviacad.com/beta/beta.php
To report bugs as a beta tester, please visit:
http://masterviacad.com/bugs/page5.php